The New Oil

I was reading about what is called the "new oil", another national resource in demand by millions of people-Safe Drinking Water. I read about the "Water Wars" that exist in India and China; relative to conditions in East Africa. I read about possible facts from well known organizations to get a better picture, such as WHO and UNICEF. You can also see more on Nazret.com. After reading and seeing a few videos I remembered visiting many of these places first hand; Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia. I've watched as people had to transport water to get to their families instead of the water flowing through safe piping.

Then I thought, there are people killing themselves around the world to acquire gems and oil, while others are fighting to acquire clean drinking water. Now with "advance technology" there is the treatment of water, as we do here in developing countries, is made so simply abroad. Filtration has also proven effective yet slow in distribution and can be expensive. The lack of water is more severe in the Sub Sahara regions, and global warming has been identified in accelerating the drought areas. For these regions more water is simply needed. This is where we will always go back to the basics of donations from people like us. I looked up some great sites if you are interested in donating with me. CHF International funds Ethiopia and is registered in Maryland. There is also Global Giving and a really cool site that has an interesting beginning, charity:water. If you have other sites you would like to post, please feel free. Donations can go far. I also know this first hand.

Maxwell-Help Somebody

"Help me to be a helping hand that makes a dream come true...Help Somebody". Tomorrow go out and help someone you don't know. Help someone you see frequently and have been meaning to help in some way. Help someone who you consider your neighbor, whether elderly or they have children. Help someone you feel guilty about not helping. Help someone that reminds you of yourself. Help someone who wouldn't expect your help. Help someone you don't want to help. Help someone in a different part of the world. Help someone who is a relative but you don't get to speak to them often. Help someone at your job who could use your help. Tomorrow, whenever you read this message, Help Somebody.

The Beauty of Adoption

Last year we went to a birthday party and met this gentleman, who is in the picture, with his adopted daughter from Ethiopia. The host of the party took this picture of them around the time of early adoption. She was 5 years old at the party and my husband and her father was speaking almost throughout the whole party. Turns out his wife had died shortly after the adoption and he had been taking care of his new daughter by himself. She is the sweetest thing and my husband was so impressed with this gentleman. They exchanged contact information at the party.

The other day as I was blog-hopping, I found two amazing sites on adoption. One of them was so inspiring, I grabbed their button and you can see it below, on the bottom right hand side called "Ethiopia or Bust". They have an Ethiopian son and just adopted an Ethiopian daughter. I also found another site called Addus aBaby. They have a whole listing of other Ethiopian adoption blog sites. This wonderful couple adopted a beautiful baby boy. I went through so many of them and was very impressed with all the families who adopted. There are some good sites for couples who want to adopt as well, just be careful to do your homework.

Quotes from adoptive parents:

"Somehow destiny comes into play. These children end up with you and you with them. It's something quite magical." -Nicole Kidman

"By choice we have become a family, first in our hearts and then in our flesh and being." -Richard Fischer

"However motherhood comes to you, it is a miracle." -Valerie Harper

"We look at adoption as a very sacred exchange, it was not done lightly on either side. I would dedicate my life to this child." Jamie Lee Curtis

Uganda Bombing Killed 74 World Cup Fans

I do not like presenting news about deaths of innocent civilians but the sad truth is we live in a new era of violence. On Sunday, July 11, 2010, as fans were enjoying the football match between Spain and The Netherlands, in an Ethiopian Village Restaurant and at a popular Rugby Club two bombs exploded. Sixty-four were reported dead on Sunday. Of the 64 that died, 10 were Ethiopian and/or Eritrean and 1 American was killed. The death toll has risen to 74 as of yesterday. Sources say both attacks were bombers from a Somali terrorist groups.

Ethiopian Music-Radia Mohammed

I love this song.

Speak Up

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." Proverbs 31:8-9

Ethiopian Soccer Tournament 2010: Spotlight on New York Team Abay

Ethiopian Soccer Tournament 2010: Spotlight on New York Team Abay

With the soccer event being watched by thousands for who gets the world cup, there is another soccer event that should also be televised. The Ethiopian Soccer Tournament based on Ethiopian players in different regions of the US. This year it is the 27th anniversary being held in San Jose, California. I went when it was held in Washington DC and I tell you, it was a lot of fun. The vendors really made the event extra special with authentic jewelry and souvenirs and yummy tasting food and treats. This just in: according to the Ethiopian Sports Federation in North America (ESFNA), The winner is LA Stars Division I and Las Vegas Division II. Kansas will also be entering the tournament for the first time for the 28th Annual Event. Last year this event was held in Chicago. I wonder where it will be held next year? Check out the link above for a more information or ESFNA. Happy 4th of July.